Malé, Maldives: The Maldives’ State Minister for Environment, Climate Change, and Energy, Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem, has been suspended following her arrest on charges of practicing “black magic” against President Mohamed Muizzu. This unusual development, reported by local media, has sparked significant controversy and concern across the archipelago nation.
Arrest and Suspension
On June 23, Shamnaz, along with her two siblings, was taken into custody and remanded for seven days. The allegations of sorcery against a sitting president have led to Shamnaz’s immediate suspension. Her name has been removed from the list of current political appointees on the Environment Ministry’s website and moved to the list of former appointees.
Official Response and Investigation
The Chief Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Shifan, confirmed that an investigation is underway involving Shamnaz and the two other individuals. However, the government has not yet released an official statement regarding the matter, leaving the public in anticipation of further details.
Background of Shamnaz and President Muizzu
Shamnaz has had a close working relationship with President Muizzu. She served as a member of the Malé City Council during his tenure as mayor. After Muizzu assumed the presidency last year, Shamnaz resigned from the council and was appointed as a state minister at Muliaage, the presidential residence, before being transferred to the Environment Ministry.
Context of Sorcery Allegations in the Maldives
The case of Shamnaz is not an isolated incident in the Maldives, where accusations of sorcery have historically had serious repercussions. In April 2023, a woman in Manadhoo was killed by her neighbors over allegations of practicing black magic. Despite a thorough police investigation, no evidence was found to support the claims.
Additionally, during a police crackdown on an opposition rally in 2012, there were reports that organizers used a “cursed rooster” against officers. Although sorcery is not specifically a criminal offense under the penal code in the Maldives, it is punishable by a six-month jail sentence under Islamic law. Traditional ceremonies intended to win favors or curse opponents are still practiced in various parts of the country.
Public Reaction and Cultural Implications
The arrest and suspension of Shamnaz have elicited mixed reactions from the public. Some view the allegations as a serious breach of trust and an assault on the presidency, while others see it as a reflection of deeply ingrained cultural practices and superstitions that continue to influence Maldivian society.
Awaiting Further Developments
As the investigation progresses, the Maldivian public awaits more information and an official statement from the government. The situation underscores the complex interplay between modern governance and traditional beliefs in the Maldives, a predominantly Muslim nation where old customs still hold sway.
Conclusion
The suspension of State Minister Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem over black magic allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu is a startling event that has captured national attention. The unfolding investigation will likely shed more light on the veracity of the charges and the implications for the country’s political landscape. This case also serves as a reminder of the persistent influence of traditional beliefs in contemporary Maldivian society.
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